Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The Calmus Ensemble was formed in 1999 by five former members of the Leipzig Thomaner Choir who wished to continue to sing together. Any listener who enjoys acappella singing will want to hear this CD. The opener is an old favourite, literally so, being a Gregorian "Kyrie" from c.900. They nail it: the vocal technique is superb. Next we are given a modern "Kyrie", composed by the Ensemble's baritone, Ludwig Böhme. In it he brings the ancient chant into the 21st century and, again, the Ensemble deliver the goods. The pattern of ancient and modern continues as we move through works by Siegfried Thiele (born 1934), back to a "Gloria" by Duffay (1400-1474), a modern madrigal by Olav Kröger (born 1965), Palestrina's "Credo" from 1562 until we reach what is, for me, the high point in an already excellent recital: a setting of some of the poetry of the Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer to music by Manfred Schlenker. This is outstanding. And there is more: a "Sanctus" by di Lasso, Verdi's "Pater Noster" and works by de Machaut and Reger. All sung supremely well.

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